In this meditation, I continue our reflection on The Cloud of Unknowing, moving into a second step by introducing the use of a simple word joined to the breath.
Building on the previous practice of letting go and resting in awareness, this meditation introduces a gentle focus, a single word that helps steady attention and gather the mind.
We begin by settling into the breath, allowing it to stabilise and deepen. From here, the word “peace” is introduced, repeated softly alongside the rhythm of breathing.
As awareness deepens, the practice becomes one of simplicity, the breath and the word, held together in the present moment. Thoughts and distractions are not resisted, but gently allowed to fall away, entering what the tradition describes as a “cloud of forgetting.”
This is not about effort or control, but about resting more fully in the now, supported by the breath and the repetition of the word.
This meditation offers a moment of calm, whether you are pausing during the day or winding down before sleep, helping you develop steadiness, focus and a deeper sense of peace.
This meditation supports focus, calm and present moment awareness.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:10 – The Cloud of Unknowing revisited
00:55 – Deepening the practice
01:15 – The bell
02:05 – Settling into the breath
02:35 – Breathing in peace
03:15 – The present moment
03:40 – Stability and stillness
04:15 – Awareness of the breath
05:54 – Resting in the now
06:05 – Introducing the word “peace”
06:40 – Breath and word together
07:23 – Repetition of the word
07:35 – Holding to the present moment
09:05 – Resting with breath and word
09:22 – The cloud of forgetting
10:35 – Letting go into stillness
11:00 – Bringing the practice into the day
11:35 – Returning to the body
11:49 – Closing bell